Understanding Diamond Clarity: the 4 Cs of Diamonds

WHAT IS DIAMOND CLARITY?

Clarity is the state of being clear or transparent. Diamond clarity is the presence or absence of characteristics called inclusions in the diamond.

When grading the clarity of a diamond, the lab determines the relative visibility of the inclusions in a diamond and their impact on the overall visual appearance.

So, what are these inclusions that affect clarity? In short, inclusions are the internal or external flaws of the diamond. The size and severity of these flaws determines the grade.

If you want to know more about inclusions, we go a bit further into detail in our Diamond Inclusions section.

DIAMOND GRADING

Since many inclusions and blemishes are very small, and can be difficult to see with the naked eye, they are graded at 10x magnification. Grading at 10x is an industry standard to determine the final clarity grade of the diamond.

Clarity grade is determined on a scale of decreasing clarity from the highest clarity (Flawless or FL) to the lowest clarity (Included 3, or I3).

THE CLARITY SCALE

The clarity scale originated because jewelers were using terms that were unstandardized and could be easily misinterpreted. Descriptive terms such as “eye clean,” or “included” were vague and didn’t communicate the clarity of the diamond effectively.

The modern clarity scale was invented in the 1950s, by a former president of GIA, Richard T. Liddicoat, Jr. With minor modifications, it has been the universal standard ever since, using verbal descriptors most are now familiar with: Flawless, Internally Flawless, VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2, and I3.

AGS Rock Stars note: Diamond size and cut can have an effect on clarity. It’s easier to see an inclusion in a larger diamond than a small one. It’s also easier to see inclusions in diamonds with fewer facets, such as an emerald cut.

Clarity is considered important in the value of a diamond because of the notion that diamonds with a higher clarity are rarer in nature. Check out some examples of diamond clarity and learn why it is so important.